6 Ways to Spend Fourth of July in Atlanta

Independence Day events throughout metro Atanta offer flag-waving fun for the whole family

Looking to celebrate your American pride all Independence Day long? No need to wait until dusk for fireworks; Atlanta has plenty of daytime activities, sporting events and foodie fun throughout the July Fourth holiday. Recently, WalletHub ranked Atlanta as the best place to celebrate Fourth of July in the U.S.

Fourth of July in Atlanta can only mean one thing: it’s Peachtree Road Race time. Celebrating its 48th anniversary this year, the world’s largest 10K has become an Independence Day tradition for both locals and running lovers worldwide, with some of the world’s best athletes racing amongst more than 60,000 participants each year. It’s too late to get a number to run the race, but you can still be part of the action be cheering from the sidewalks or join the more than 3,500 Atlanta Track Club volunteers who help the event run smoothly. Make sure to head to Piedmont Park for the post-race party with live bands and entertainment. atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree

The city’s new soccer franchise has energized Atlanta sports fans, with many home games selling out. Though Atlanta United has struggled on the road, the team has won three straight games with commanding scores. Tickets start at $25. ticketmaster.com

Enjoy America’s favorite pastime by catching a Braves game against the Houston Astros, at the new SunTrust Park. And there’s plenty to keep families busy before, during and after the game at The Battery, the shopping and dining district adjacent to the park. At dusk, there will be a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. Tickets start at $13 and can be purchased here.

There’s nothing more American than delicious Southern barbecue. Head to The Roof at Ponce City Market for the inaugural Fourth of July Rooftop Backyard BBQ event. In a collaboration between Skyline Park, Nine Mile Station and Rooftop Terrace, the event will include amazing barbecue, drinks, live music, entertainment and the perfect fireworks view. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for kids and can be purchasedhere.

Held the Saturday before July 4, this event promises brews, classic barbecue, live music from The Regulars Band and getting an up-close view of over 500 aquatic species. The Oceans Ballroom boasts the best spot to watch beluga whales, manta rays and whale sharks. Tickets are $65 for non-members and $50 for members and include admission, a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited samples of a variety of local and national brew and food from Wolfgang Puck Catering. All proceeds from the event will benefit Georgia Aquarium’s Sponsored Education Admissions (SEA) program. georgiaaquarium.org

Cumming doughnut shop Dutch Monkey Doughnuts will invite doughnut-loving patriots to dive into a baker’s dozen for its eighth annual Independence Day Doughnut Eating Competition. The event is free, though donations made for food and beverages will benefit the Rally Foundation for childhood cancer research. Festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with competitions beginning at 11 a.m. dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com